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Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya's anti-government protests, police says
At least 11 people have died and more than 500 were arrested in anti-government protests across Kenya on Monday, according to the country's National Police Service. Kenyan police used tear gas and water cannon on protesters marking the 35th anniversary of a pro-democracy rally that has stirred anti-government resentment among Kenyan youths, who were already enraged over allegations of corruption, police brutality and abductions of government critics. Some 11 civilians were injured, police said in a Monday night statement, though the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) reported that 29 people were injured. A total of 567 people were arrested, the police added. The East African country has been hit by a wave of bloody protests that began last year over an unpopular finance bill that raised taxes amid a cost-of-living crisis. Kenya's government withdrew the tax bill in June last year in the wake of the demonstrations, but outrage has intensified over the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police. At least 16 people were killed and hundreds injured during anti-government protests last month. Dozens more died during the anti-tax demonstrations in 2024. On Monday, several parts of Kenya saw gatherings as people marked the anniversary of the July 7, 1990, pro-democracy march known as Saba Saba. In the capital Nairobi, Kenyan security forces repelled protesters with tear gas and water cannon hours after blocking major roads leading into the city. Roads leading to the Kenyan Parliament building, as well as the president's office and residence, were also barricaded ahead of the demonstrations. There were reports on Monday afternoon of police opening fire on protesters. CNN has not confirmed the reports, but has reached out to Kenya's National Police Service for comment. In its Monday night statement outlining fatalities, injuries and arrests, Kenya's police service said that 'each reported incident will be subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law.' CNN affiliate Citizen TV reported that at least five people were shot dead in protests across the country, including two people who were shot dead in the Kangemi neighborhood of Nairobi. Another man was shot in the area and was 'seen lying on the road' unconscious, it added. Video circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN shows a civilian in Kenya's Kiambu County stepping out of a car surrounded by armed officers, and then being whipped repeatedly by one of them. The civilian covers their head to protect themself, but does not appear to be threatening the officer in any way. In other parts of the country, some protesters have remained defiant despite the chaotic scenes. 'We are not ready to go back (home) because who will fight for our rights then? We will be here till evening,' protester Francis Waswa told Reuters. The clampdown comes after individuals described by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission as 'hired goons' who were 'sent by the state to silence dissent' stormed the NGO's office. In a statement on Sunday night, the human rights body said those who entered the building 'violently disrupted a press conference by Kenyan mothers calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting protesters ahead of Saba Saba demonstrations.' Kenyan government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura told CNN to 'contact the police spokesman' for comment when asked about the allegation. Police spokesman Nyaga said: 'The National Police Service is looking into the incident and shall take appropriate steps after reviewing the unacceptable clip,' referring to CCTV footage shared by the NGO. Earlier on Sunday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies were 'on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property.' Murkomen previously described last month's demonstrations as 'terrorism disguised as dissent,' in a statement that further reignited outrage. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNN's Victoria Rubadiri, Annoa Abekah-Mensah and Billy Stockwell contributed to this report.
CNN
07-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Video shows police using water cannons, tear gas on protesters in Kenya
Protests in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi erupted on Monday with police seen in video using tear gas and water cannons from armored trucks to disperse crowds. At least 11 people have died and more than 500 were arrested, according to Kenya's National Police Service. Each reported incident will be "subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law," police said in a statement.
CNN
07-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Video shows police using water cannons, tear gas on protesters in Kenya
Protests in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi erupted on Monday with police seen in video using tear gas and water cannons from armored trucks to disperse crowds. At least 11 people have died and more than 500 were arrested, according to Kenya's National Police Service. Each reported incident will be "subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law," police said in a statement.
Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Club-wielding Kenyans vow to 'protect' Nairobi as protest marks deadly anniversary
Pro-government counter-protesters urge for back-up during a protest over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Pro-government counter-protesters and riot police officers disperse people protesting over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Pro-government counter-protesters run during a protest over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya A pro-government counter-protester holds a wooden club as he runs after a man protesting over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Swaleh Aroko, a pro-government counter-protester talks on his mobile phone after a Reuters interview on how they dispersed people protesting over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya NAIROBI - When protests are expected in Kenya's capital Nairobi, Swaleh Aroko grabs a wooden club and heads downtown. The 34-year-old from the city's Korogocho slum is one of dozens of stick-wielding young men who have taken to the streets to counter recent demonstrations triggered by the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests over the past two weeks, Reuters reporters have repeatedly seen the men - labeled "goons" by the protesters - advancing alongside police officers toward groups of unarmed demonstrators, and beating them with sticks and rubber whips. Their presence on the streets is heightening fears that violence will mar a large demonstration expected on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of a mass protest that culminated in the storming of parliament and several deaths through police gunfire. Last week, Aroko and another counter-protester, Ronald Otieno, spoke to Reuters, saying they wanted to rebut misinformation about their actions over the past two weeks. Aroko, who described himself as a reformed criminal, said the men were not goons but rather patriots defending property in the Central Business District against a small portion of protesters who loot and cause violence. "You go behind and start throwing stones, we'll take a cane to disperse you," he said. "We don't need to burn our country." Aroko did not directly respond to questions about what actions he had personally taken against protesters except to say that he was protecting businesses. He acknowledged that "it was messy" but blamed protesters for the violence. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a text message that the National Police Service "does NOT work with 'goons'" and was analysing videos of certain incidents "with a view of taking appropriate action". According to Reuters reporters covering the protests, the demonstrators have mostly been peaceful, although there have been some instances of violence, including the torching of two vehicles on June 12 by unknown individuals. Protesters have also beaten up some of the counter-protesters. 'GOVERNOR'S BOYS' Counter-protesters also mobilised during demonstrations last June sparked by government plans to legislate higher taxes. After President William Ruto withdrew the legislation, the protests, some of the biggest in Kenya's recent history, fizzled out. But demonstrations broke out again this month over the death in police custody of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. Human rights activists say the counter-protesters, who have also been seen riding around Nairobi on motorcycles, chanting "No protests!", amount to a militia they suspect was employed by powerful politicians and operates with support from the police. Aroko and Otieno both said they were on "Team Sakaja", a reference to Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, a Ruto ally. "It was our right as governor's boys to protect our city," said Otieno. He and Aroko did not elaborate on the nature of their ties to Sakaja. Aroko denied that Sakaja or the city government were behind the counter-protests, which he said were financed by local businesspeople who "coordinate" with the police to protect private property. He said he was paid 5,000 Kenyan shillings ($38.76) per protest. Otieno, however, said they were acting at the request of county assembly members who had urged them to "come and protect our city". He declined to name them. Sakaja did not respond to a Reuters request for comment but denied in a statement to local media any affiliation with groups "that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity". A spokesperson for Ruto did not respond to a request for comment. There was no immediate response from the Nairobi chamber of commerce to a request for comment on Aroko's allegation of links between businesspeople and the counter-protesters. Aroko and Otieno said they would be out on the streets again on Wednesday and warned protesters to stay in line. "Come peacefully," Aroko said. "Because the business community is ready for you. And the government here is ready for you. You can't burn Nairobi because of one person." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Club-wielding Kenyans vow to 'protect' Nairobi as protest marks deadly anniversary
Swaleh Aroko, a pro-government counter-protester talks on his mobile phone after a Reuters interview on how they dispersed people protesting over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya NAIROBI (Reuters) -When protests are expected in Kenya's capital Nairobi, Swaleh Aroko grabs a wooden club and heads downtown. The 34-year-old from the city's Korogocho slum is one of dozens of stick-wielding young men who have taken to the streets to counter recent demonstrations triggered by the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests over the past two weeks, Reuters reporters have repeatedly seen the men - labeled "goons" by the protesters - advancing alongside police officers toward groups of unarmed demonstrators, and beating them with sticks and rubber whips. Their presence on the streets is heightening fears that violence will mar a large demonstration expected on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of a mass protest that culminated in the storming of parliament and several deaths through police gunfire. Last week, Aroko and another counter-protester, Ronald Otieno, spoke to Reuters, saying they wanted to rebut misinformation about their actions over the past two weeks. Aroko, who described himself as a reformed criminal, said the men were not goons but rather patriots defending property in the Central Business District against a small portion of protesters who loot and cause violence. "You go behind and start throwing stones, we'll take a cane to disperse you," he said. "We don't need to burn our country." Aroko did not directly respond to questions about what actions he had personally taken against protesters except to say that he was protecting businesses. He acknowledged that "it was messy" but blamed protesters for the violence. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a text message that the National Police Service "does NOT work with 'goons'" and was analysing videos of certain incidents "with a view of taking appropriate action". According to Reuters reporters covering the protests, the demonstrators have mostly been peaceful, although there have been some instances of violence, including the torching of two vehicles on June 12 by unknown individuals. Protesters have also beaten up some of the counter-protesters. 'GOVERNOR'S BOYS' Counter-protesters also mobilised during demonstrations last June sparked by government plans to legislate higher taxes. After President William Ruto withdrew the legislation, the protests, some of the biggest in Kenya's recent history, fizzled out. But demonstrations broke out again this month over the death in police custody of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. Human rights activists say the counter-protesters, who have also been seen riding around Nairobi on motorcycles, chanting "No protests!", amount to a militia they suspect was employed by powerful politicians and operates with support from the police. Aroko and Otieno both said they were on "Team Sakaja", a reference to Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, a Ruto ally. "It was our right as governor's boys to protect our city," said Otieno. He and Aroko did not elaborate on the nature of their ties to Sakaja. Aroko denied that Sakaja or the city government were behind the counter-protests, which he said were financed by local businesspeople who "coordinate" with the police to protect private property. He said he was paid 5,000 Kenyan shillings ($38.76) per protest. Otieno, however, said they were acting at the request of county assembly members who had urged them to "come and protect our city". He declined to name them. Sakaja did not respond to a Reuters request for comment but denied in a statement to local media any affiliation with groups "that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity". A spokesperson for Ruto did not respond to a request for comment. There was no immediate response from the Nairobi chamber of commerce to a request for comment on Aroko's allegation of links between businesspeople and the counter-protesters. Aroko and Otieno said they would be out on the streets again on Wednesday and warned protesters to stay in line. "Come peacefully," Aroko said. "Because the business community is ready for you. And the government here is ready for you. You can't burn Nairobi because of one person." ($1 = 129.0000 Kenyan shillings) (Reporting by Aaron Ross, Editing by William Maclean)
